The future of world junior track star Kirani James and the next move in his aspiring track career have been the subject of much discussion over the past few months.
The debate is worthwhile since it has brought several issues to the fore. Among them are the challenges James could face if he is over-exposed at an early age. Another is his choice of when and where to attend college.
Kirani James is considered a huge asset to Grenada and the entire Caribbean. While I support every effort to get him the best education, I do not support the view that he should begin college at the age of 16. His youth coupled with the rigorous track programme in the United States college system (running every weekend which he has not done before) may be too much for him.
A good choice is to have James spend another year in Grenada developing both his physical and mental stamina. In addition, he has a good coach at home and has shown consistent improvement every year. One of our common mistakes is the tendency to change coaches too soon especially when our athletes are doing well under one coach.
This raises the question of where should Kirani James go? One possibility is TexasA&MUniversity. The reason: One of our most celebrated track athlete and recently famed sportsman, Alleyne Francique is now a track coach at TexasA&MUniversity. In his first year as part of Pat Henry’s coaching staff, Francique won both men’s and women’s team titles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. This option will allow James to benefit from a perennial track programme and the mentoring of someone with a shared national and cultural background. As such, James’ attendance at TexasA&MUniversity is an option which could be considered in the future.
Another possible training centre being discussed is Jamaica. However, their programme may not help this young athlete since they are not producing good 400m runners. Clearly, their structure is not very promising in that event.
If moving abroad is a must, then a junior college in the USA might help as there won’t be too much pressure to race every week, and there’ll be less fear of burn out.
While we glow in the spotlight of Kirani James, let us consider what assistance we should provide to Rondell Bartholomew, another 400m competitor, who is equally talented. Bartholomew, James, Joel Redhead and Joel Phillip could be a formidable quartet for a future 4x400m relay team.
James’ coach, Albert Joseph, has done a tremendous job with him so far and efforts should be made to get him to the next level of coaching. A scholarship at St. George’sUniversity would also help in his education.
This is the time for the coach, athlete, parents and sports officials to sit down and determine the right option for this young treasure from the Spice Isle.
ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, THURSDAY, JULY 30th, 2009_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, will address the nation this evening on matters of national importance.
The Prime Minister will update the nation on the government’s management of the country and the progress of discussions with Canada on the removal of the visa restriction.
The national address will be carried on radio, television and streamed on the internet from 8.00pm this evening.
ROSEAU, Dominica - Despite a five wicket bowling performance from the exciting Barbadian pacer Kemar Roach, Bangladesh spoiled the Dominican party when they cruised to a handsome 52 run victory over the West Indies in the first ever international match played in the nature isle.
Chasing 247 for victory, the Windies wobbled to 194 all out from 43.4 overs at the newest international venue in the Caribbean – the Chinese funded and built WindsorPark – to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match Digicel Series.
Left arm spinner Abdur Razzak who picked up 4 for 39, delivered critical wickets for his team’s jaunty performance and was appropriately rewarded with the Man of the Match prize. In his first over – the second of the innings – he sent back debutant daredevil opener Dale Richards for 1. After opening the bowling alongside medium pacer Sayed Rasel (8-0-30-1) Razzak returned later to bowl the second debutant, Travis Dowlin, for 10 and when Darren Sammy was engineering a late order rally, Razzak trapped him lbw for a boundary less 28 from 38 deliveries.
The 27 year old who is also a member of the IPL’s Bangalore Royal Challengers squad, collected his third career four wicket haul when he claimed his third lbw victim – last man and the third debutant Nelon Pascal for a duck. Pascal’s demise formalised the Windies collapse below 200 despite a composed half century from Grenadian left hander Devon Smith.
With the Windies backed into a corner at 42 for 4, Smith, striking the ball with an almost effortless crispness, combined with David Bernard Jr to put on 78 for the 5th wicket. But when he was adjudged lbw for 65 (84b, 3x4) the innings took a nose dive and never recovered to seriously threaten the Bangladeshis who were clinical in completing the victory.
Bernard continued his excellent form with the bat, getting 38 (62b, 3x4) to add to his three half centuries in the recently completed Digicel Test Series which Bangladesh won 2-0.
After Richards fell in the second over, wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher was bowled by Rasel in the third, and captain Floyd Reifer continued his unpleasant parade with the bat when he miscued an on drive and was caught at point for 3. The score was then reduced to 23 for 3 and the run chase was stuck in a rut.
A 41 run seventh wicket partnership between Sammy and Rawl Lewis (21) revived the innings later on but the Windies had dug themselves too deep a hole.
In the first half of the day, Roach, playing in only his third ODI, bagged a career best 5 for 44 as he led the Windies bowling in restricting the Tigers to what should have been a manageable total but which proved to be beyond the Windies’ reach.
Out of form batsman Mohammad Ashraful scratched around for a top score of 57 from 95 balls with five fours and captain Shakib Al Hasan extended his batting form from the Test matches to hit a controlled 54 from 60 balls with three fours. Having also bowled eight overs for 26 runs and dismissing Smith, Shakib would have been a strong contender for the Man of the Match award.
The critical innings for Bangladesh though was a rapid 42 from 39 deliveries by all rounder Mahmudullah who spanked two fours and two sixes as he aided in pushing the Bangladeshi score towards the 250 mark. His 79 run sixth wicket partnership in exactly 11 overs with Shakib is what transformed their total from being merely modest to competitive on the slow pitch. Despite Windies coach John Dyson calling for pace and head curator Richard LeTang promising to respond, the pitch was disappointingly leisurely and it was no surprise that both teams played their full complement of slower bowlers.
Roach did not let the lack of pace deter him though as he took the wicket of Tamim Iqbal with the first delivery of the match, and like Razzak, returned and broke partnerships at vital junctures. He is the only bowler who has consistently caused the Bangladeshi batsmen discomfort of any kind. While the medium pacers and spinners bowl competently they are not causing the batsmen alarm or nervous spells.
After the early loss of Tamim, Junaid Siddique (36) and Ashraful added 74 in 16.4 overs to lay the foundation which Shakib and Mahmudullah capitalized on later, despite a spirited bowling performance from Bernard whose 10 overs cost only 31 runs and he also pocketed Siddique’s wicket.
The Tigers have now extended their win streak to four matches on the tour after triumphing in both Digicel Tests and the warm up game against the Vice Chancellor’s XI. The Second Digicel ODI will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 27, 2009 – Ball Dogs FC took an early lead in the Premier League of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) with a convincing victory on the weekend.
Ball Dogs defeated former champions G.B.S.S. FC 4-0 in the second game of a double header at the National Stadium on Saturday. The win gives Ball Dogs a superior goal difference in the points standing.
In the earlier game, Tempe All Blacks FC and St. Paul’s FC played to a 1-1 draw in a second division encounter.
On Sunday, defending champions Hurricanes FC edged past another former champion Paradise FC 3-2 at Alston George Park in Victoria, St. Mark.
The other match played featured a home derby between Queen’s Park Rangers FC and Fonetnoy United DC at the National Stadium. Rangers recorded a convincing 3-0 win to sit behind Ball Dogs in the standings.
The other game, a second division fixture between New Hampshire FC and Combined Northerners FC didn’t play.
It was hardly surprising that
when junior track stars Kirani James and Nichkelia John returned home from the
IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy, the spotlight at the Maurice Bishop
International Airport quickly shifted, not to their performances, but to the
absence of their parents at the welcome reception.
Ironically, the same media houses
that gave limited prominence to the athletes’ achievements in their headlines
and broadcasts were quick to manufacture controversy over what was, at best, an
oversight. The narrative moved away from excellence and toward distraction.
To their credit, the Grenada
Athletics Association (GAA) responded responsibly, issuing an apology to the
parents for the unintentional omission. That level of accountability deserves
commendation.
Yet, the inconsistency is
glaring. Just two months earlier, a group of athletes, also led by Kirani James,
returned from the Junior CARIFTA Games to a similar reception at the same
venue, again without parents present. There was no outcry then. No headlines.
No debate.
This selective outrage
underscores a troubling reality: our support for sportsmen and women is often
shallow and inconsistent. We celebrate them in moments of triumph, but fail to
honour them meaningfully or consistently.
Consider Kirani James’ journey.
Emerging from the challenging “Gun Battle” community in St John, his story is
one of resilience, discipline, and triumph over adversity. These are narratives
that should be highlighted continuously, not only when medals are won, but as
part of a broader effort to inspire and inform.
Instead, sensationalism too often
drives the news agenda.
One sports administrator recently
recounted how a journalist showed intense interest in a fabricated story
involving violence in the same community, eagerly seeking details and contacts.
Yet, that same level of curiosity was absent when it came to verifying results
or gathering information about Kirani’s performance from official sources.
That contrast speaks volumes.
The trend extends beyond
athletics. In a recent example, a local television station led its sports
segment with the headline: “Football season opens in front of empty stands.”
There was no attempt to explore the reasons behind the change in format for the
season’s opening, nor were match results provided, despite games being played.
This is not merely an editorial
oversight; it reflects a deeper issue within sports journalism in Grenada.
Responsibility must rest with
media managers, who have allowed this decline to persist without corrective
action. There was a time when sports coverage was structured, resourced, and
respected. The Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) once employed full-time
sports reporters under the leadership of experienced professionals, ensuring
consistent coverage and updates on local and regional events.
That system has eroded, and the
void remains largely unfilled.
Today, there appears to be a
shortage of dedicated, full-time sports reporters across both electronic and
print media. This gap has inevitably affected the quality, depth, and
consistency of sports coverage.
Yet, the expertise still exists.
Grenada has produced a generation
of respected sports journalists, commentators, photographers, and experts who helped shape
the industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Individuals such as Alvin Clouden
(photography), Ian “Flyers” Redhead, Trevor Thwaites, Ray Roberts, Harold
Pysadee, Rawle Titus, Michael Bascombe, Irvine Simon, Hamlet Mark, Derek Seon,
Cheney Joseph, Pele Darbeau, Anthony “Jericho” Greenidge, Paul Roberts, Selwin
Noel, Carlos Thomas, Stephenson Worme, Lester Smith, Claudius George, Lincoln
“Toro” Depradine, and many others have contributed significantly to the
development of sports media.
Their experience should not be
overlooked. It should be harnessed.
There was also a time when sports
programming held a central place in the media landscape. Initiatives like the
Sunday Sports programme, the “Brain of Sports” Quiz, and Saturday Sports
Special created platforms for analysis, engagement, and education.
Today, while programmes like
Sunday Sports, hosted by Harold Pysadee, continue to provide valuable content,
much of this work goes unnoticed, despite being offered freely to local
stations.
This lack of recognition is
symptomatic of a broader issue: the undervaluing of sports journalism and those
who contribute to it.
Prime Minister Thomas said while he regrets the circumstances, his decision was based on his commitment to keep his promises to the people of Grenada to restore high ethical standards, procedures, practices and integrity in public office.
Mr. Thomas reaffirmed his government’s commitment to good governance and transparency in public office and respect for the independence of institutions.
“On behalf of the government, I wish to thank Mr. Bristol for his contribution to Grenada over the past year,” the Prime Minister said.
A group of baboons at a safari park in the United Kingdom swarmed a car in a demonstration to show how easily they can open a roof-top luggage carriers. The baboons at the Knowsley safari park, have learned how to open the rooftop carriers.
Staff at the park staged this demonstration to show how easily the primates can help themselves to visitor's luggage. The park's manager says the biggest baboon bounces on the box to break the lock, then the other baboons grab the luggage inside.
The park has banned the roof-top luggage carriers as a result of these types of incidents.
OECS Secretariat, Castries, Saint Lucia July 22nd , 2009 The OECS Secretariat has shipped supplies of a special antiviral medicine known as Tamiflu to all OECS Member States for combating the H1N1 or swine flu virus.
The Secretariat’s Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECSPPS) purchased the medicines from a top quality generic supplier in India and distributed them to all OECS Member Countries.
The OECSPPS says twenty thousand Tamiflu tablets and two thousand bottles of the suspension for children were purchased as a proactive approach to help care for adults and children should they be infected by the H1N1 or swine flu virus. The total value is one hundred and six (106) thousand EC dollars.
Head of the OECSPPS Francis Burnett says the Tamiflu medication was purchased through an emergency fund established a few years ago: “This sum of money was extracted from our Disaster Fund. The OECS PPS allocated up to 300 thousand EC dollars for an emergency supply of medicines to safeguard public health in the OECS countries. So out of our Disaster Fund we decided to allocate one hundred and six thousand dollars for the procurement of the antiviral medicine Tamiflu.”
The World Health Organization has designated the H1N1 or swine flu outbreak a global pandemic and at least four OECS member countries to date have reported one or more cases of the swine flue virus: “We have been following the spread of the virus and once we recognize that more and more countries were being affected by the virus, we decided upfront to take the proactive approach and to purchase these medicines. We also had an approach by the Pan-American Health Orginzation PAHO who offered to procure some of the Tamiflu from the stockpile in Mexico and we decided to play our part to safe guard public health in the OECS Countries.”
The OECS PPS which purchases medicines in bulk for OECS Member States says the Tamiflu tablets are stocked at all government pharmacies in the OECS and are available only through a prescription. Tamiflu is the brand name of the medication for which the scientific name is Oseltamivir.
BROOKLYN, NY, July 19, 2009 – Hundreds of Grenadians took advantage of a warm Sunday to attend the first ever Grenada Day celebrations in New York.
The activity, was organised by the newly formed Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique United (GRENCAP) in collaboration with the Grenada Consulate in New York, was attended by a number of prominent Grenadians living in the tri-state area including past and present members of the diplomatic community and two government ministers – Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Peter David and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons.
There were also cultural performances including recital of poems by Wendell DeRiggs and top calypsonians – King Ajamu, Lady Mac, Berbice, Val Adams, among others. The drummers and moko jumbies also featured during the evening.
PARIS, France, July 17, 2009 - Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the men's 100m at the Paris Golden League on Friday.
Rick Broadbent, Athletic Correspondent, in Paris - Times Online
If the rest of the world’s sprinters have all but thrown in the towel, Usain Bolt must just hope to finish a race without one.
He provided another remarkable, explosive cocktail of power, pace and panache last night and clocked 9.79sec in the Paris rain at the fourth Golden League meeting of the year. “It was like flying,” he said.
It is testament to his freakish speed that it seems almost inconceivable that the world record will not tumble this summer, and, given Bolt’s penchant for drama, probably in the final at the World Championships in Berlin next month.
It is just as mind-boggling that this was only the fifth-fastest 100 metres that Bolt has run, that it came into a slight headwind and that the triple Olympic champion admitted he is still a poor starter.
“My reaction time was poor,” he shrugged after topping the bill. “It’s something I have to work on in the next few weeks. That’s life. Things don’t ever happen the way you want.”
That seemed a trifle begrudging given he has been living a dream since Beijing. And while he may have a genuine rival this season in Tyson Gay, whose 9.77 is still the fastest time of 2009, Bolt has the unique ability to make the unfeasible seem ordinary.
It was not as if he beat a bunch of fall guys last night. Richard Thompson was second in Beijing but was a quarter of a second adrift. Simeon Williamson, the new UK champion, was sixth in 10.14. That might look lame alongside Bolt’s latest hit, but given the atrocious conditions, Williamson may well make good on his ambition to dip below 10sec before long.
Bolt, though, remains the top dog and the rest have to make do, which may well be why Ivory Williams, the former world junior champion, has named his pitbull after himself. “I know people love me so I try every time to be at my best,” Bolt said. “In these conditions the time is great.”
The rain has been following Bolt this summer. From crashing his car in it in Jamaica to running a stunning 150 metres in a sodden Manchester, he has proved a man for all seasons. A sunny day in Berlin might push the event’s boundaries to breaking point.
Britain’s Phillips Idowu is also looking for his day in the sun in Germany. “Gold is always the target,” he said after winning the triple jump with a leap of 17.17 metres in the Stade de France. “I have worked too damn hard to go there setting my heart on silver. I know it is going to be tough but I can’t envisage anything else but the gold.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey got one of those at the European Under-23 Championships in Lithuania. The 20-year-old Briton set a season’s best 10.15sec to lead a British clean sweep, with Leevan Yearwood and Ron Pierre completing the podium.
Although Aikines-Aryeetey was only fourth at the trials, his time puts him in with a chance of selection for the World Championships. Only Williamson has secured his place for what will be another Bolt-fest.
EDITORIAL – Grenada Advocate Newspaper - July 17, 2009
Time is no longer on our side.
The moment has come, and is passing quickly, for the Government to establish a
comprehensive National Sports Policy that ensures a level playing field for
Grenada’s sportsmen and women.
Recent performances across
multiple disciplines have once again highlighted both the promise and the
persistent gaps within our sporting framework. These contrasting outcomes serve
as a clear reminder that talent alone is not enough; structure, planning, and
policy are important.
High praise is due to Kirani
James, Nichkelia John, and their coach Albert Joseph for their outstanding
showing at the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy. Kirani’s success
continues to reflect the power of discipline, focus, and humility, while Coach
Joseph’s commitment underscores the importance of dedicated mentorship in
athlete development.
Equally commendable were the
efforts of Grenada’s Under-23 netball team, who performed creditably at the
OECS Tournament in Nevis, despite falling short of retaining their title.
Meanwhile, the national football team’s experience at the CONCACAF Gold Cup
served as a harsh but necessary lesson in the importance of preparation at the
highest level.
Together, these experiences
should send a strong signal to policymakers: our athletes require consistent
support, structured development, and meaningful incentives if they are to
compete with the best in the world.
The NDC Administration had
pledged, within its five-point agenda, to introduce an Incentives and Rewards
System and to establish a National Sports Council tasked with guiding the
development of a National Sports Policy. These commitments are not merely political
promises; they are fundamental to creating an environment where athletes can
thrive from grassroots to elite levels.
A long-overdue National Sports
Policy would bring governance, accountability, and direction to national
sporting associations. It would ensure adherence to clear standards while
providing athletes with the resources and preparation needed for regional and
international competition.
Equally important is the
implementation of the promised Incentives and Rewards System. The vision
outlined, offering financial support, employment opportunities, and assistance
in cases of injury, remains both relevant and necessary.
But what has become of these
promises?
Following Grenada’s impressive
runner-up finish at the Caribbean Cup and the performances at the Junior
CARIFTA Games, there was much celebration. Yet, sustained support has not
matched that initial enthusiasm. Too often, recognition fades once the spotlight
dims.
This inconsistency is deeply
concerning.
Our Under-23 netballers were
forced to fundraise to represent their country, while our footballers had to
settle for inadequate facilities in preparation for one of the region’s premier
tournaments. Even more troubling were reports that players were required to
cover departure taxes, despite requests for exemptions, an unnecessary burden
on those representing the nation.
Such realities undermine both
morale and performance.
Sport is not merely recreation;
it is a vital tool for national development, physically, socially, and
economically. It fosters discipline, unity, and international visibility.
Investing in sport is, therefore, an investment in the nation’s future.
The Government must now move
beyond rhetoric and deliver on its commitments. A structured, well-implemented
National Sports Policy, supported by tangible incentives, is no longer optional;
it is important.
Let us rally behind these
emerging icons who continue to shape Grenada’s sporting identity. But more
importantly, let us build the systems that will sustain their success and
inspire generations to come.
NB: The guest editorial was written exclusively for the Grenada Advocate newspaper by veteran sports journalist Michael Bascombe.
The Grenada Athletic Association (GAA) sincerely apologises to all concerned, especially to the parents of Kirani James and Nichelia John for the unfortunate circumstances which led to their inability to participate in the welcoming ceremony for the returning athletes, at the VIP Lounge, Maurice Bishop International Airport on Tuesday, 14th July, 2009.
This situation is regrettable and does not reflect the policy of the GAA towards our athletes and their parents. This was due to a communication breakdown for which we offer our earnest apologies.
The GAA holds the parents of our national sports men and women in high esteem, as we acknowledge, understand and appreciate the tremendous sacrifices they make in the development of their children and sports in general.
In this regard, we also fully appreciate the supportive role of the community in the development of our athletes.
While the circumstances of Tuesday’s activity cannot be reversed, the GAA is committed to ensuring that our national athletes, who perform well at the international level, get the opportunity to celebrate with their family during official ceremonies planned in their honour.
Kirani James in action during the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy on Sunday July 12, 2009.
James copped the double when he won the boys' 200m in 21.05 seconds, two days after winning the 400m in a championship record of 45.24 seconds just 0.11 seconds off the world youth record.
Kirani James in action during the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy on Friday July 10, 2009.
James won the boys' 400m in a championship record of 45.24 seconds just 0.11 seconds off the world youth record.
WASHINGTON, DC, July 10, 2009 (OAS) - Ambassador Gillian Bristol presented today her credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza, as the Permanent Representative of Grenada to the institution. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Organization in Washington, D.C.
Addressing a group of ambassadors who attended the event, the new representative of Grenada to the regional organization reiterated her government’s commitment to the principles of the OAS Charter. “Grenada, as the other nations that are part CARICOM, shares the principles of democracy, non intervention, respect to the rule of law and human rights that the organization promotes”, she said.
Ambassador Bristol also added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tilliman Thomas, “Grenada will continue to work so that the Americas can truly be a bastion of equality and a shinning light for the rest of the world; and to promote the themes and priorities that affect the small island states.”
Ambassador Bristol, whom before her appointment had worked for more than 15 years in the OAS General Secretariat, declared that her country “remains firm to cooperate with the member states, the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, in the efforts of strengthening the value and existence of the Organization.”
Welcoming Ambassador Bristol, the Secretary General Insulza, highlighted her “capacity, strength, intelligence, and courtesy in the defense of the interests of whom she represents.”
Insulza also took this opportunity to refer to the leadership role that CARICOM has recently taken in issues related to the hemispheric agenda and remarked that the Caribbean governments “have a clear and constructive vision of the problems that affect the region.” He also affirmed that “given Ambassador Bristol’s broad experience and knowledge of the system and of the Organization, her presence will definitively mark a difference.”
Ambassador Bristol has a law degree from the University of West Indies in Cave Hill, Barbados. Since 1992 she has been involved in matters of hemispheric politics and security. She worked as secretary of several committees of the OAS Permanent Council, in meetings related to the General Assembly, and as Program Manager at the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE).
Bressanone/Brixen, July 10, 2009 - Kirani James posted the fastest qualifying time over the men's 200m at the 6th IAAF World Youth Chanpionships here on Friday.
Competing in the final of the nine heats, James clocked 21.18 seconds ahead of his American rival Keenan Brock (21.45) and Nicholas Deshong of Barbados (21.47), among top finishers and qualifiers for the next round.
Also among qualifiers from the region are Moriba Morain (Trinidad); Kemar Bailey-Cole (Jamaica); Carlos Rodriquez (Puerto Rico); and Demitri Knowles (Bahamas).
Another Grenadian, Nickheila John also qualified for the next round of the women's 200m, finishing third in Heat 6 in 25.27 seconds.
Later today James competes in the final of the 400m, an event he is favoured to win.
Grenada’s early exit from the
2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup may have been a disappointing start, but it should not
be viewed as the end of the road for football on the island.
Competing at this level for the
first time came at a cost. The national team conceded 10 goals in three matches
and failed to score. Yet, context is critical. Grenada was the smallest nation
ever to qualify for the tournament, a remarkable achievement in itself. Simply
reaching the Gold Cup signalled progress, and while the results were harsh, the
experience gained is invaluable.
History reminds us that difficult
introductions to the Gold Cup are not unique. Canada suffered an 8-0 defeat to
Mexico in 1993. Cuba conceded seven to Costa Rica in 1998. Jamaica and St
Vincent and the Grenadines endured heavy losses in their early appearances,
while Martinique also faced a 9-0 defeat. These nations regrouped, rebuilt, and
improved, and so too can Grenada.
Credit must go to head coach
Tommy Taylor and his staff, Kellon Baptiste, Andrew Munro, Kerlon Peters, and
Jerry Alexis, for their professionalism in guiding one of the youngest teams in
the competition. Notably, the performance against Honduras showed signs of
growth and resilience compared to earlier matches against the United States and
Haiti.
The responsibility now shifts to
the Grenada Football Association (GFA) to build on this foundation. Development
must be continuous, not reactionary.
Too often, national enthusiasm is
tied solely to victory. We celebrate when medals are won, but quickly fall
silent in moments of struggle. This “Monday morning quarterback” mentality
overlooks a fundamental truth: participation at the highest level is itself an
achievement.
Our support for athletes should
not be conditional. At times, our appreciation borders on hypocrisy, loud in
triumph, absent in adversity.
Just a year ago, Grenadian
athletes delivered commendable performances at the Beijing Olympic Games. Yet,
many of them, competing week after week on the international circuit, receive
little recognition. Athletes such as Neisha Bernard-Thomas, Randy Lewis, and
Patricia Sylvester continue to represent Grenada with pride, often without
sustained national acknowledgement.
Similarly, Alleyne Francique, in
his debut season as a coach at Texas A&M, guided his team to an NCAA
women’s title. Such accomplishments deserve national celebration.
The pattern is familiar. When
success fades, so does public enthusiasm. We saw it with global figures like Lewis
Hamilton, celebrated at his peak, but less supported during challenging
periods. The lesson is clear: true support endures beyond winning.
Closer to home, Grenada’s
Under-23 netball team recently returned after failing to defend its OECS
title. Their effort, commitment, and representation of the nation still merit
recognition.
The situation surrounding the
national football team is even more troubling. Just months after reaching the
Caribbean Cup final in Jamaica, with strong official support, the same players
were left struggling for basic resources. They faced difficulties securing a
suitable venue for an international friendly and reportedly had to cover their
own departure taxes to represent Grenada at the region’s premier tournament.
Ironically, facilities deemed
unavailable for football were later used for other events. Such contradictions
highlight the need for better planning, respect, and prioritisation.
National development cannot be
derailed by petty disagreements or short-term thinking.
At the same time, we celebrate
emerging stars like Kirani James, along with Nichkelia John and coach Albert
Joseph, for their achievements abroad. Their success will be met with fanfare, motorcades,
ceremonies, and national pride. But the real question remains: what happens
after the celebrations end?
Sustained support is the true
measure of national commitment.
Our athletes often compete as
amateurs against professionals, yet they carry the pride of a nation. They
deserve proper send-offs, consistent encouragement, and recognition whether
they win or lose.
Perhaps the time has come to
formalise that appreciation. A National Appreciation Day for Grenada’s
sportsmen and women could serve as a meaningful step toward recognising their
contributions and inspiring future generations.
If we are serious about sport as
a vehicle for national development, then our support must extend beyond the
scoreboard.
